Decision to move programmes to regions from London means it must pay for presenters who live in the capital to be put up in Britain’s other cities

The BBC faced a large hotel bill after Anne Robinson's show moved to Glasgow (Scope Features)

The BBC is to splash out up to £157m over the next five years for its
presenters, executives and studio guests to stay in hotels and travel by
taxi — despite warnings that it must save money.

Much of the expense has been triggered by the corporation’s decision to move
programmes out of London to the regions. It means shuttling presenters who
live in the capital around Britain’s other cities.

The latest switch has involved moving Crimewatch from the BBC studios in west
London to Cardiff. This follows an exodus of entertainment programmes to
Glasgow.

The decentralisation has already cost millions, with the BBC offering staff
mini-breaks in Manchester and help with their mortgages to persuade them to
move.

The size of the bill for hotels and taxis is revealed in new tender documents
for contracts made public by the corporation under European Union rules. The
hotel contract, which is for